FAIRFIELD -- When a fledgling subcommittee meets sometime within the next two weeks, it will inherit a proposal that has lingered for some time in the discussion stage.

Should the town oversee construction of a big pavilion at expansive Mill Island Park? What should it look like? How much will it cost, and how many volunteers can be rounded up to limit that cost?

The community projects subcommittee, an arm of the newly-formed economic and community development committee, has an agenda item.

"We're going to hit the ground running," said Joshua Reny, the town's economic and community development director. "The Town Council in their wisdom thought that would be the good place to go with this."

The Town Council made its referral Wednesday night, following public discussion on the pavilion. It made that decision, Reny said, following questions of design and cost of the proposed structure.

Initial suggestions are for a footprint of 60 by 40 feet.

Reny said that, in considering the pavilion's design, the subcommittee will look at such factors as how it might conform to the park itself, the history of the park and the industrial history of the area.

The group also will discuss the size of the structure and its location within the park, as well as potential uses.

Increased space for parking, a need for more mowing on the grounds and trail maintenance are other concerns, Reny said.

To hire a contractor with no help from area businesses or volunteers might cost up to $150,000, Reny said. But with in-kind donations and a $10,000 grant that might be matched by the town, he said, it could possibly be done for no more than $25,000.

If the subcommittee agrees to move forward with the plan and the Town Council concurs, construction could begin in the spring, Reny said.

"This has been in the talking phase for some time," he said. "There's been lots of investment in the park and its infrastructure in the last couple years."

A senior citizens appreciation day in August is the largest event at Mill Island Park.

But with a pavilion, there could be family reunions and other smaller events, Reny said.

"It would just make it easier for people to have things there," he said.